Affordable AND Romantic Valentine’s Day Recipes

Champagne, caviar, and filet mignon may seem oh-so-romantic, but they can also be oh-so-expensive. On the other hand, a plate full of beans may be filling and affordable, but it doesn’t scream “romance.”

For some reason, the price of a meal is often used as a measure of how much you love someone, so putting together a romantic meal on a budget can be tricky. If you’re enjoying Valentine’s Day at home, how do you make the meal super special without breaking the bank or killing the mood? These eight recipes can give you romantic vibes without bleeding your wallet dry. As a bonus, they’re rather easy to make!

Ultimate Easy Crab Cakes via Savory Bites Recipes

Fresh crab can be very expensive, but many people enjoy the luxurious treat. We like this recipe because you can use canned crab meat, making it more convenient and affordable. And since there are enough other ingredients, you might not even notice that it’s canned.

Swiss & Cheddar Cheese Fondue via Butter, with a Side of Bread

Valentine’s Day is all about sharing special moments with someone you love. And what better way to do that than splitting a pot of hot cheese? We’ve included this recipe because the experience of sharing fondue can be special and special. Plus, this recipe is simpler than many fondue recipes.

Crispy Potato Roses via Family-Friends-Food

This side dish is a little tricky to make, but the main ingredient is potatoes, so it isn’t expensive. The real reason we’ve included it, though, is that if you put it together right, this recipe is so beautiful that it could make any plate look like it came from a high-end restaurant.

Maple Roasted Chicken Quarters via Homemade In The Kitchen

We’ve included this recipe because it strikes a wonderful balance between homey and elegant. Plus, it uses relatively low-cost ingredients, including chicken quarters or thighs, onions, and potatoes.

Easy Vegan Meatballs via The Vegan 8

Ever since “Lady and the Tramp” came out in 1955, spaghetti and meatballs has seemed like a romantic dish. We like that this recipe puts a vegan spin on the classic, making it a good option if your beloved is avoiding meat. Plus, since the meatballs are made primarily of chickpeas and couscous, they can be a more affordable alternative.

Mushroom and Spinach Risotto via Love & Good Stuff

Risotto frequently appears on menus at fancy restaurants, and it’s no surprise why! The hearty dish is satisfying, but it can also be time-consuming to prepare. We’ve included this recipe because it uses affordable ingredients, and unlike many risotto recipes, you don’t need to baby it. In fact, the recipe calls for cooking the entire dish in an Instant Pot.

Easy Chocolate Molten Lava Cakes via Cooking Mania

We couldn’t possibly list Valentine’s Day recipes without including a chocolate dessert! We’ve included this recipe because it is rich and satisfying without being complicated or expensive.

Very Berry Bread Pudding via Lemon Blossoms

If you’re allergic to chocolate or just don’t like it, that doesn’t mean you need to skip your Valentine’s Day dessert! Berries seem like a fitting treat. We particularly like this recipe because you can use frozen berries, making the recipe more convenient and affordable.

While these recipes look like they’d be great for a Valentine’s Day dinner at home, we think the most romantic meal is one that takes your beloved’s food preferences into account.

What are your favorite tricks for celebrating Valentine’s Day at home without overspending? Share your ideas in the comment section below.